Derek Malcolm's century of film + Charlie Chaplin

Perhaps the philosophy behind Monsieur Verdoux, Chaplin's most pessimistic and gag-free film, was simplistic. But his sarcastic and ironic gravity was astonishing for the time. Even now, it is not generally considered one of Chaplin's best films. But though not characteristic, it leaves an indelible memory

1918: The Adventurer Charlie Chaplin is the sole justification for a large part of the kinema's repertory. On the steadiness of his success hang, with precarious clutches, numbers of weak little screen comedians whose humour is wholly blatant